Editing Detroit Pistons (section)

===1981–1994: The Isiah Thomas era===
The franchise's fortunes finally began to turn in 1981, when they drafted [[point guard]] [[Isiah Thomas]] from [[Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball|Indiana University]].<ref name=Thomas/> In November 1981, the Pistons acquired [[Vinnie Johnson]] in a trade with the [[Seattle SuperSonics]].<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Maxwell|title=The Microwave|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/vinnie_johnson_080205.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701113507/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/vinnie_johnson_080205.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They later acquired center [[Bill Laimbeer]] in a trade with the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] in February 1982.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Best of Trader Jack: Part III|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/truebluepistons_110929.html/|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=May 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505083045/http://www.nba.com/pistons/features/truebluepistons_110929.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Another key move by the Pistons was the hiring of head coach [[Chuck Daly]] in 1983.<ref name=Daly>{{cite web|first=Keith|last=Langlois|title=Chuck Daly, 1930-2009|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/daly_090509.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=May 9, 2009|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018074619/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/daly_090509.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Isiah-thomas detroit-v-new-york 1985.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Isiah Thomas (with the ball) against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 1985.]]
Initially, the Pistons had difficulty moving up the NBA ladder. In [[1984 NBA playoffs|1984]], the Pistons lost a tough five-game series to the underdog [[1983–84 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]], 3–2.<ref name="JLA">{{cite web|title=Best moments in Joe Louis Arena history: No. 10|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/03/29/joe-louis-arena-memorable-moments/99704650/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=June 7, 2017|archive-date=April 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407060446/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/03/29/joe-louis-arena-memorable-moments/99704650/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[1985 NBA playoffs|1985 playoffs]], Detroit won its first-round series and faced the defending champion [[1984–85 Boston Celtics season|Boston Celtics]] in the conference semifinals. Though Boston prevailed in six games, Detroit's surprise performance promised that a rivalry had begun.<ref name=1980s/> In the [[1985 NBA draft]], the team selected [[Joe Dumars]] 18th overall, a selection that proved to be very wise.<ref>{{cite web|first=Keith|last=Langlois|title=The Best of Trader Jack: Part VI|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/best-trader-jack-part-vi/|website=NBA.com|date=June 2, 2017|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814211520/http://www.nba.com/pistons/features/best-trader-jack-part-vi/|url-status=live}}</ref> They also acquired [[Rick Mahorn]] in a trade with the [[Washington Wizards|Washington Bullets]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Brendan|last=Savage|title=Detroit Pistons Q&A: Rick Mahorn on the Bad Boys, Laimbeer & Barkley, the '04 champions|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2015/03/detroit_pistons_qa_rick_mahorn.html|website=MLive|date=March 19, 2015|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011644/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2015/03/detroit_pistons_qa_rick_mahorn.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the team took a step backwards, losing in the first round of the [[1986 NBA playoffs|1986 playoffs]] to the more athletic [[1985–86 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta Hawks]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Hawks Beat Pistons and Move on to Boston|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-04-26-sp-2380-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press|date=April 26, 1986|access-date=May 18, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730070734/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-04-26-sp-2380-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After the series, changes were made in order to make the team more defensive-minded.<ref name=1980s/>

====1986–1992: The Bad Boys====
Prior to the [[1986–87 NBA season|1986–87 season]], the Pistons acquired more key players: [[John Salley]] (drafted 11th overall), [[Dennis Rodman]] (drafted 27th) and [[Adrian Dantley]] (acquired in a trade with the [[Utah Jazz]]).<ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=25 years ago the Pistons snatched Salley and Rodman in NBA Draft|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/25-years-ago-the-pistons-snatched-salley-and-rodman-in-nba-draft/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=October 29, 2011|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628084442/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/25-years-ago-the-pistons-snatched-salley-and-rodman-in-nba-draft/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Goldaper|title=TRIPUCKA TRADED BY PISTONS FOR DANTLEY|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/22/sports/tripucka-traded-by-pistons-for-dantley.html|website=The New York Times|date=August 22, 1986|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913153924/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/22/sports/tripucka-traded-by-pistons-for-dantley.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The team adopted a physical, defense-oriented style of play, which eventually earned them the nickname "Bad Boys".<ref name="Holmes">{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=How the Detroit Pistons came to be known as the Bad Boys|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/how-the-detroit-pistons-came-to-be-known-as-the-bad-boys/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=April 27, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109135908/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/how-the-detroit-pistons-came-to-be-known-as-the-bad-boys/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1987, the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the [[1986–87 Boston Celtics season|Celtics]]. After pushing the defending champions to a 2–2 tie, the Pistons were on the verge of winning Game 5 at the [[Boston Garden]] with seconds remaining.<ref name=Bird>{{cite web|first=Peter|last=May|title=25 years later, remembering 'a steal by Bird'|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4694098/25-years-later-remembering-a-steal-by-bird|website=ESPN Boston|date=May 25, 2012|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010859/http://www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4694098/25-years-later-remembering-a-steal-by-bird|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Celtics' rivals">{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Gelso|title=Boston Celtics Rivalries That Defined Generations of NBA Basketball|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/330719-rivalries-that-defined-generations-of-nba-basketball|website=Bleacher Report|date=January 22, 2010|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=February 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221110159/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/330719-rivalries-that-defined-generations-of-nba-basketball|url-status=live}}</ref> After a Celtics turnover, Isiah Thomas attempted to quickly inbound the ball and missed Chuck Daly's timeout signal from the bench. [[Larry Bird]] stole the inbound pass and passed it to [[Dennis Johnson]] for the game-winning layup.<ref name=Bird/><ref name="Celtics' rivals"/> While the Pistons did win Game 6 in Detroit, they lost the series in a tough Game 7 back in Boston.<ref name=Bird/><ref name="Celtics' rivals"/>

[[File:Chuck Daly.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Chuck Daly, coach of the 1989 and 1990 NBA champions.]]
[[File:1988 NBA Finals - Game 1 - Detroit Pistons at Los Angeles Lakers 1988-06-07 (ticket).JPG|thumb|right|A ticket for Game 1 of the 1988 NBA Finals at The Forum.]]
Motivated by their loss to the Celtics, the [[1987–88 Detroit Pistons season|Pistons]], aided by midseason acquisition [[James Edwards (basketball)|James Edwards]], improved to a then-franchise-record 54 victories and the franchise's first division title in 32 years.<ref name=1980s/><ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Edwards added a key piece to the championship runs for the Pistons|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/james-edwards-detroit-pistons/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=March 20, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202112841/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/james-edwards-detroit-pistons/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1955-56 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1956.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922134536/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1956.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[1988 NBA playoffs|postseason]], the Pistons avenged their two previous playoff losses to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating them in six games and advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since the franchise moved to Detroit.<ref name=1980s/>

The Pistons' first trip to the [[1988 NBA Finals|Finals]] in 32 years saw them face the [[1987–88 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles Lakers]], who were led by [[Magic Johnson]], [[James Worthy]], and [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]].<ref name="1956 Finals"/><ref name=1980s/> After taking a 3–2 series lead back to Los Angeles, Detroit appeared poised to win their first NBA title in Game 6. In that game, Isiah Thomas scored an NBA Finals record 25 points in the third quarter while playing on a severely sprained ankle.<ref name="Game 6">{{cite web|first=Shaun|last=Powell|title=Top NBA Finals moments: Thomas scores 25 in quarter on injured ankle|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-finals-moments-isiah-thomas-25-points-1988|website=NBA.com|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914210120/https://www.nba.com/news/history-finals-moments-isiah-thomas-25-points-1988|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Lakers won the game, 103–102, on a pair of last-second free throws by Abdul-Jabbar following a controversial foul called on Bill Laimbeer, referred to by many as a "phantom foul".<ref name="Game 6"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Stone|title=Pat Riley Admits '88 Finals Foul Was Phantom [VIDEO]|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/pat-riley-admits-88-finals-foul-was-phantom-video/|website=CBS Detroit|date=June 20, 2014|access-date=June 8, 2024|archive-date=September 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923023623/https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/pat-riley-admits-88-finals-foul-was-phantom-video/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Keith|last=Langlois|title=What If: A turned ankle, a shocking whistle cost the Pistons a shot at 3 straight (maybe 4) NBA titles|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/what-if-turned-ankle-shocking-whistle-cost-pistons-shot-3-straight-maybe-4-nba-titles|website=NBA.com|date=July 10, 2020|access-date=June 8, 2024|archive-date=November 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114045431/https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/what-if-turned-ankle-shocking-whistle-cost-pistons-shot-3-straight-maybe-4-nba-titles|url-status=live}}</ref> With Thomas unable to compete at full strength, the Pistons narrowly fell in Game 7, 108–105, as the Lakers became the first back-to-back NBA Champions since the [[1968-69 Boston Celtics season|1969 Boston Celtics]].<ref name="Game 6"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Lakers Capture the Elusive Repeat|url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19871988.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222173733/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19871988.html|archive-date=February 22, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Dennis Rodman 02 (34649289162) (cropped).jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Dennis Rodman]], NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1990 and 1991]]
Prior to the [[1988–89 NBA season|1988–89 season]], the Pistons moved to [[Auburn Hills, Michigan|Auburn Hills]] to play at [[The Palace of Auburn Hills]], the first NBA arena financed entirely with private funds.<ref name="SBD">{{cite web|first=Don|last=Muret|title=Twenty years in, the Palace still shines|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2008/11/20081103/This-Weeks-News/Twenty-Years-In-The-Palace-Still-Shines.aspx|website=Sports Business Daily|date=November 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120031504/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2008/11/20081103/This-Weeks-News/Twenty-Years-In-The-Palace-Still-Shines.aspx|archive-date=January 20, 2018|access-date=June 25, 2019}}</ref> The [[1988–89 Detroit Pistons season|1989 Pistons]] completed the building of their roster by trading Adrian Dantley for [[Mark Aguirre]], a trade that Pistons fans criticized heavily initially, but later praised.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Pretzer|title=Dealing Dantley|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/trades_080218.html|website=NBA.com|date=February 15, 2008|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703231610/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/trades_080218.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dantley-for-aguirre Deal Doesn't Go Down Well in Detroit|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-02-17-8903060680-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=February 17, 1989|access-date=August 7, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308115524/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-02-17-8903060680-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Watson|title=What's the best trade the Pistons ever made?|url=https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2012/8/22/3259566/detroit-pistons-best-trade-ben-wallace-rasheed-bill-laimbeer-mark-aguirre|website=Detroit Bad Boys|date=August 22, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807235030/https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2012/8/22/3259566/detroit-pistons-best-trade-ben-wallace-rasheed-bill-laimbeer-mark-aguirre|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Van Dusen|title=The 10 Best Trades in Pistons History|url=http://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-pistons-news/rake2204/the-10-best-trades-in-pistons-history/74976/|website=Detroit Sports Nation|date=June 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012235734/http://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-pistons-news/rake2204/the-10-best-trades-in-pistons-history/74976/|archive-date=October 12, 2017|access-date=July 3, 2018}}</ref> The team won 63 games, shattering their one-year-old franchise record, and steamrolled through the [[1989 NBA playoffs|playoffs]] and into an [[1989 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] rematch with the [[1988–89 Los Angeles Lakers season|Lakers]]. This time, the Pistons came out victorious in a four-game sweep to win their first NBA championship. Joe Dumars was named [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]].<ref name="1989 Pistons">{{cite web|title=1988-89 Detroit Pistons|url=http://www.nba.com/history/89pistons.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210150800/http://www.nba.com/history/89pistons.html|archive-date=February 10, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Isiah Thomas 2007 (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|200px|[[Isiah Thomas]], 1990 NBA Finals MVP]]
The Pistons successfully defended their title in 1990, despite losing Rick Mahorn to the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]] in the expansion draft.<ref>{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Howard-Cooper|title=NBA Expansion Draft : Timberwolves Get Mahorn; Lakers Lose Rivers|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-16-sp-1959-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=June 16, 1989|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729224751/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-16-sp-1959-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="1990 Finals">{{cite web|title=Bad Boys Still the Best|url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19891990.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183055/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19891990.html|archive-date=February 22, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> After winning 59 games and a third straight division title, the Pistons cruised through the first two rounds of the playoffs before playing a tough Eastern Conference Finals series against [[Michael Jordan]], [[Scottie Pippen]], and the [[1989–90 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago Bulls]]. Facing each other for the third straight season, the Pistons and Bulls split the first six games before the Pistons finished the series with a decisive 93–74 victory in Game 7.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1990.html|title=1989-90 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612170340/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1990.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1990.html|title=1990 NBA Playoff Summary|publisher=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=January 23, 2012|archive-date=August 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807025235/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1990.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="1990 ECF">{{cite web|title=1990 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Bulls vs. Pistons|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1990-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bulls-vs-pistons.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=June 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609122215/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1990-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bulls-vs-pistons.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Advancing to their third consecutive [[1990 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]], the Pistons faced the [[1989–90 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland Trail Blazers]].<ref name="1990 Finals"/> After splitting the first two games at The Palace, the Pistons went to [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], where they had not won a game since 1974, to play Games 3, 4 and 5.<ref>{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Goldaper|title=Another Thriller as Blazers Tie Series|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/08/sports/another-thriller-as-blazers-tie-series.html|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 8, 1990|access-date=June 7, 2017|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814175308/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/08/sports/another-thriller-as-blazers-tie-series.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Pistons won all three games in Portland, becoming the first NBA team to sweep the middle three games on the road.<ref>{{cite web|first=Darnell|last=Mayberry|title=An Historic Look At The NBA Finals' 2-3-2 Format|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2012/06/16/an-historic-look-at-the-nba-finals-2-3-2-format/60984396007/|website=[[The Oklahoman]]|date=June 16, 2012|access-date=June 6, 2017|archive-date=June 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627062406/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2012/06/16/an-historic-look-at-the-nba-finals-2-3-2-format/60984396007/|url-status=live}}</ref> The decisive game came down to the final second. Trailing 90–83 with two minutes remaining, the Pistons rallied to tie the game, then took a 92–90 lead when Vinnie Johnson sank a 15-foot jumper with 00.7 seconds left in the game; this shot earned Johnson a new nickname in Detroit, "007", to go with his original, "The Microwave".<ref name="1990 Finals"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=From every angle, the Microwave could get hot on the court|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/from-every-angle-the-microwave-could-get-hot-on-the-court/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=March 14, 2013|access-date=January 17, 2020|archive-date=October 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003174914/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/from-every-angle-the-microwave-could-get-hot-on-the-court/|url-status=live}}</ref> Isiah Thomas was named NBA Finals MVP.<ref name="1990 Finals"/>

The Pistons' championship run came to an end in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals, as they were swept by the eventual NBA champion [[1990–91 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago Bulls]] in four games.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Fluck|title=Pippen and Bulls first had to beat Detroit's Bad Boys|url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/199091_pippen_110311.html|website=NBA.com|date=March 11, 2011|access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215112957/http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/199091_pippen_110311.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The most critical injury during this time belonged to Isiah Thomas, who had suffered a wrist injury a few months prior to the [[1991 NBA playoffs|NBA playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Barry|last=Cooper|title=Thomas' Injury Signals Finish of Pistons' Reign|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1991/01/26/thomas-injury-signals-finish-of-pistons-reign/|website=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|date=January 26, 1991|access-date=June 10, 2017|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505131805/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1991/01/26/thomas-injury-signals-finish-of-pistons-reign/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Conference Finals is best remembered for the Pistons walking off the court in the last game just before it ended, willingly letting the final seconds tick away, unwilling to shake hands with the Bulls. After the series, Michael Jordan said, "You see two different styles with us and them. The dirty play and the flagrant fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct. Hopefully, that will be eliminated from the game. I think we play clean basketball. We don't go out and try to hurt people and dirty up the game. You never lose respect for the champions. But I haven't agreed with the methods they used. I think people are happy the game will get back to a clean game [with a Bulls triumph] and away from the 'Bad Boy' image."<ref>{{cite web|first=Vito|last=Chirco|title=Why did the Pistons walk off the court without shaking hands with Jordan's Bulls?|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/why-did-the-pistons-walk-off-the-court-without-shaking-hands-with-jordans-bulls/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924101116/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/why-did-the-pistons-walk-off-the-court-without-shaking-hands-with-jordans-bulls/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Eno|title=The Day the "Bad Boys" Walked Out|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/158201-the-day-the-bad-boys-walked-out|website=Bleacher Report|date=April 18, 2009|access-date=June 10, 2017|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406200939/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/158201-the-day-the-bad-boys-walked-out|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Smith|title=Bulls Make NBA Safe for 'Solid' Basketball|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-05-28-9102170643-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=May 28, 1991|access-date=July 27, 2019|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727164516/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-05-28-9102170643-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later revealed that the real reason the Pistons walked off the court without shaking hands with the Bulls was due to comments said by Jordan in a pre-game interview before Game 4, where he said, "The Pistons are undeserving champions. The Bad Boys are bad for basketball."<ref name="Goodwill">{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/dont-buy-into-michael-jordans-narrative-the-bad-boys-pistons-deserve-your-respect-154544792.html|last=Goodwill|first=Vincent|title=Don't buy into Michael Jordan's narrative: The 'Bad Boys' Pistons deserve your respect|website=Yahoo Sports|date=April 27, 2020|access-date=May 24, 2024|archive-date=February 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221000001/https://sports.yahoo.com/dont-buy-into-michael-jordans-narrative-the-bad-boys-pistons-deserve-your-respect-154544792.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

After getting swept by the Bulls, the Pistons traded James Edwards and waived Vinnie Johnson during the off-season.<ref>{{cite web|first=Gary|last=Klein|title=Clippers Get Edwards--or a Big Headache : NBA: They trade reserve guard Martin and a draft pick to get 7-foot-1 Piston center, but he is on his way to Italy.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-08-14-sp-486-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=August 14, 1991|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729224611/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-08-14-sp-486-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=BACKCOURT-RICH PISTONS WAIVE VINNIE JOHNSON|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-09-05-9103060968-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=September 5, 1991|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308165643/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-09-05-9103060968-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[1991–92 NBA season|1991–92 season]], the Pistons finished with a 48–34 record.<ref name=1990s>{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons: 1990's|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/history/1990s.html|website=NBA.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507181955/https://www.nba.com/pistons/history/1990s.html|archivedate=May 7, 2021|access-date=June 13, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1991-92 Detroit Pistons Schedule and Results|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1992_games.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=December 1, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217045612/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1992_games.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first round of the [[1992 NBA playoffs]], the Pistons were defeated by the [[1991–92 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] in five games.<ref>{{cite web|first=David|last=Aldridge|title=Knicks Shatter More Than Pistons' Season : NBA playoffs: Their series-clinching 94-87 victory over Detroit may mark the end of an era.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-04-sp-842-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|agency=The Washington Post|date=May 4, 1992|access-date=June 19, 2019|archive-date=June 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619174740/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-04-sp-842-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Chuck Daly resigned as head coach after the season.<ref>{{cite web|first=Robert McG. Jr.|last=Thomas|title=Daly Resigns as Pistons Coach|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/06/sports/hockey-daly-resigns-as-pistons-coach.html|website=The New York Times|date=May 6, 1992|access-date=June 19, 2019|archive-date=June 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619174740/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/06/sports/hockey-daly-resigns-as-pistons-coach.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Following Daly's departure, the Pistons went through a transitional period, as key players were either traded (Salley and Rodman) or retired (Laimbeer in 1993 and Thomas in 1994).<ref name=Thomas/><ref>{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Smith|title=PISTONS DEAL SALLEY, MAY GO AFTER OLAJUWON|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-09-09-9203220059-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=September 9, 1992|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=October 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004182231/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-09-09-9203220059-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Baker|title=Spurs Give Rodman Fresh Start : Pro basketball: Pistons get Sean Elliott in trade for the NBA leader in rebounds and problems.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-02-sp-41479-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=October 2, 1993|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=May 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504230307/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-02-sp-41479-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Tim|last=Povtak|title=Laimbeer Retires, Citing Lost Desire|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1993/12/02/laimbeer-retires-citing-lost-desire/|website=Orlando Sentinel|date=December 2, 1993|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827100509/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1993/12/02/laimbeer-retires-citing-lost-desire/|url-status=live}}</ref> They bottomed out in the [[1993–94 NBA season|1993–94 season]], finishing with a 20–62 record.<ref name=1990s/>